Controller for a games console

ABSTRACT

A hand held controller for a games console comprising an outer case and at least one control located on the controller. The controller is shaped to be held in at least one hand of a user such that the at least one control is operable by the user. The at least one control extends through an aperture provided in the outer case, and wherein the controller comprises a removable buffer mounted within the aperture.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/600,839 filed onOct. 14, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/542,151 filedon Jul. 7, 2017, which is a U.S. national phase application of Intl.App. No. PCT/EP2016/050311 filed on Jan. 8, 2016, which claims priorityfrom U.S. Ser. No. 62/101,420 filed on Jan. 9, 2015. The entire contentsof U.S. Ser. No. 16/600,839, U.S. Ser. No. 15/542,151, Intl. App. No.PCT/EP2016/050311 and U.S. Ser. No. 62/101,420 are incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to games consoles, in particular to handheld controllers for games consoles.

BACKGROUND

Controllers for most current games consoles are generally intended to beheld and operated by the user using both hands. A conventionalcontroller will generally comprise a hard outer case with a plurality ofcontrols mounted about the controller. Typically the controls includebuttons, analogue control sticks, bumpers and triggers. An example of aconventional controller is shown in FIG. 1 .

As can be seen in FIG. 1 , controls are mounted on the front and top ofthe controller 1. Specifically, there are left and right analogue thumbsticks 2, 3 which normally control movement and are intended to beoperated by the user's left and right thumbs respectively. There arefour buttons 4 located on a front-right portion of the controller 1,which normally control additional actions and are intended to beoperated by the user's right thumb. There is a direction pad 5 locatedon the lower portion of the front-left of the controller 1. Thedirection pad 5 is intended to be operated by the user's left thumb,typically either as an alternative to the left thumb stick 2 or toprovide additional actions. There are a left trigger 6, a right trigger7, a left bumper 8 and a right bumper 9 located on the front edge of thecontroller 1. The left and right triggers 6, 7 are typically operated bya user's index fingers. The left and right bumpers 8, 9 may also beoperated by a user's index fingers.

The thumb sticks 2, 3 and the direction pad 5 each comprisedirectionality; that is to say the controller is capable of determiningthe direction in which the thumb sticks 2, 3 or direction pad 5 aremoved or pressed by a user. As shown, the right thumb stick 3 isconfigured such that a forward movement is achieved by moving the thumbstick towards the front of the controller, as indicated by directionarrow F; backward movement is achieved by moving the thumb stick towardsthe back of the controller, as indicated by direction arrow B; right andleft movements are achieved by moving the thumb stick to the right orleft respectively, as indicated by direction arrows R, L. The left thumbstick 2 and directional pad 5 are similarly configured.

It has been found that some components of known controllers may fail orbreak in areas subject to wear through repeated use in particular wheretwo components can make contact or impact with each other, it isdesirable to provide a more robust controller thereby improving thelongevity of the controller.

It is an object of the disclosure to provide a serviceable controller inwhich parts of the controller subject to wear can be readily replaced.

It is also desirable to provide a controller which is readily customisedto suit a user's needs or taste.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate theproblems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided ahand held controller for a games console comprising:

-   -   an outer case; and    -   at least one control located on the controller;    -   the controller being shaped to be held in at least one hand of a        user such that the at least one control is operable by the user;    -   wherein the at least one control extends through an aperture        provided in the outer case;    -   the controller comprising a removable buffer mounted within the        aperture.

Optionally, the buffer comprises an annular ring having an aperture foraccommodating a portion of the at least one control disposed external tothe outer case.

Optionally, the aperture is configured to prevent a portion of the atleast one control disposed internally of the outer case from passingtherethrough.

Optionally, the buffer comprises a mechanical fastening means.

In some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a bayonet stylefastener having a male component and a female receptor.

In some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a screw thread.

Optionally, the buffer is configured to prevent the at least one controlmaking contact with the outer case when in use.

In some embodiments, the buffer is formed from a metallic material.

In some embodiments, the buffer is formed from a plastics materials.

In some embodiments, the buffer is formed from a resiliently deformablematerial.

Optionally, the buffer comprises a drive member for engaging with atool.

Optionally, the drive member comprises a one or more recesses defined inthe buffer.

Optionally, the tool comprises a one or more lugs for engaging with arespective one of the one or more cutaways.

Optionally, the buffer comprises at least one end stop to limit rotationof the buffer with respect to the outer case.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda hand held controller for a games console comprising:

-   -   an outer case; and    -   a plurality of controls located on a front end and top of the        controller;    -   the controller being shaped to be held in both hands of a user        such that the user's thumbs are positioned to operate controls        located on the top of the controller and the user's index        fingers are positioned to operate controls located on the front        of the controller;    -   wherein at least one first control extends through an aperture        provided in the outer case and the at least one control is        moveable within the aperture,    -   the controller comprising a removable buffer mounted within the        aperture.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided aretainer for securing a portion of a control device to a hand heldcontroller, the retainer comprising an annular ring having an aperturefor receiving a portion of a control device, the retainer having a firstpart of a securing mechanism for engaging with a second part of thesecuring mechanism provided on the controller, wherein in use theretention ring forms a buffer between the control device and an outercase of the controller.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings anddiscussed below.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be taken independently or in anycombination thereof. For example, features described in connection withone embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there isincompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the front of a conventional gamesconsole controller according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of components for forming agames controller according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 2 in anassembled state;

FIG. 4 is a first sectional view of the controller of FIG. 3 along theline A-A′;

FIG. 5 is a second sectional view of the controller of FIG. 3 along theline B-B′;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the controller shown in FIG.5 ;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views from above of a disassembly of thecontroller of FIG. 2 ; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of a games controlleraccording to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the games controllerare disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the games controller described herein may be embodied invarious and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scaleand some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details ofparticular components. Well-known components, materials or methods arenot necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuringthe present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown components for forming a controller101 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The controller 101 comprises controls that are mounted on the front andtop of the controller 101. The controller 101 comprises a left analoguethumb stick 102 and a right analogue thumb stick 103. The left analoguethumb stick 102 and the right analogue thumb stick 103 normally controlmovement actions and are intended to be operated by the user's left andright thumbs respectively. The controller 101 comprises four buttons;the buttons are omitted from FIGS. 2 to 7 . The buttons are located in arespective one of the four apertures A1, A2, A3, A4, provided in afront-right portion of an upper surface of the controller 101, in theillustrated embodiment the upper surface is defined an upper case member114. The buttons, which normally control additional actions, areintended to be operated by the user's right thumb. The controller 101comprises a direction pad located on the lower portion of the front leftof the upper case member 114 of the controller 101. The direction padhas been omitted from FIGS. 2 to 8 ; the direction pad is received inthe aperture A5 provided in the upper case member 114 of the controller101. The direction pad is intended to be operated by the user's leftthumb, typically either as an alternative to the left thumb stick 102 orto provide additional actions. The controller 101 may also comprise aleft trigger (not shown), a right trigger (not shown), a left bumper(not shown), and a right bumper (not shown), located on the front edgeof the controller 101. The left and right triggers are typicallyoperated by a user's index or fore fingers. The left and right bumpersmay also be operated by a user's index or fore fingers. The controller101 also comprises a lower case member (not shown) and detachable gripelements (not shown) which, together with the upper case member 114,form a housing or body of the controller 101.

The thumb sticks 102, 103 and the direction pad each comprisedirectionality; that is to say the controller 101 is capable ofdetermining or sensing the direction in which the thumb sticks 102, 103or the direction pad are moved or pressed by a user.

The left thumb stick 102 is mounted to an actuator mechanism 150 havinga post 152 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The actuator mechanism 150 is mountedon a circuit board 120. The actuator mechanism 150 may comprise ananalogue stick coupled to a pair of potentiometers, a firstpotentiometer configured to sense movement in a first directionindicated by direction arrow x in FIG. 2 and a second potentiometerconfigured to sense movement in a second direction indicated bydirection arrow y in FIG. 2 . Optionally the analogue stick is selfcentering; that is to say when no input is applied by a user theanalogue stick adopts a central position. The left thumb stick 102 isreceived in a first stick aperture A6 provided in the upper case member114. The left thumb stick 102 is mounted on the post 152.

The right thumb stick 103 is mounted to an actuator mechanism post (notshown) which is mounted on a circuit board 120. The actuator mechanismmay comprise an analogue stick coupled to a pair of potentiometers.Optionally the analogue stick is self centering. The right thumb stick103 is received in a second stick aperture A7 provided in the upper casemember 114. The right thumb stick 103 is mounted on the post.

The circuit board 120 is mounted to a chassis member 122; the upper casemember 114 is mounted to the chassis member 122. The lower case memberis mounted to the chassis member 122. The detachable grip elements aremounted to the lower case member.

In alternative embodiments the upper case member 114 or the lower casemember may also form a chassis to which the circuit board 120 ismounted.

The controller 101 comprises a pair of retention rings 130; eachretention ring 130 retains or secures a respective one of the left andright thumb sticks 102, 103. The retention ring 130 comprises anaperture A8 configured to receive an upper portion of the respectiveleft or right thumb stick 102, 103. The aperture A8 is dimensioned suchthat a lower portion of the left or right thumb stick 102, 103 cannotpass through the retention ring 130.

The retention ring 130 is detachable from the upper case member 114. Theretention ring 130 comprises a circumferential groove or recess 136 inan outer side wall thereof, see FIG. 5A. In the illustrated embodimentthe retention ring 130 comprises a substantially “7” shapedcross-section. In alternative embodiments other cross-sectional shapesmay be employed for example, but not limited to, an “I” or “C” shape.The retention ring 130 may comprise an upper annular ring coupled to alower annular ring by a wall member. The wall member may be formed froma cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may be continuous or may beinterrupted by one or more apertures.

The retention ring 130 comprises a plurality of first cutaways in theform of recesses 140 defined in an upper portion U. The illustratedembodiment comprises three first recesses 140. The first recesses 140form a drive member for being engaged by a complementary tool T, seeFIG. 6 . In alternative embodiments the drive member may be anyspecially formed shape that allows the retention ring 130 to be turnedor driven. The drive member may be formed from apertures, slots, lugs,protrusions, corners or surfaces provided on the retention ring 130.

In yet another embodiment, the retention ring 130 may comprise aknurling on an external surface of the retention ring 130 to facilitateengagement by a user's hand.

The retention ring 130 comprises a plurality of second recesses 142defined in a lower portion L. The illustrated embodiment comprises threesecond recesses 142. The second recesses 142 form part of a fasteningmechanism for securing the retention ring 130 to the upper case member114. The illustrated embodiment employs a bayonet style fasteningmechanism. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8 the fasteningmechanism takes the form of a screw thread. An external screw thread 270is provided on a retention ring 230; an internal screw thread 272 isprovided on the aperture A7. The retention ring 230 is passed over theright thumb stick 203 and screwed into the aperture A7 thereby securingthe right thumb stick 203.

In other embodiments the fastening mechanism may be a push fitting andmay comprise a detent or catch mounted on the retention ring 130 and theupper case member 114 for interlocking with a receiver such as aprotrusion, ridge, aperture or recess provided on the other of theretention ring 130 and upper case member 114.

The apertures A6, A7 each comprise a plurality of lugs 132 (best shownin FIG. 5A); in the illustrated embodiment three lugs 132 are provided.The lugs 132 are circumferentially arranged so as to be complementary tothe arrangement of the plurality of second recesses 142. Each of thelugs 132 comprises a lower shoulder 135 with which the lower portion Lof the retention ring 130 engages so as to prevent, or at least mitigateagainst, undesirable egress of the retention rings 130 from theapertures A6, A7.

Each of the lugs 132 comprises an upper shoulder 134 upon which theupper portion U of the retention ring 130 rests so as to prevent, or atleast mitigate against, the retention ring 130 from passing through theapertures A6, A7 and into an interior of the controller 101.

Optionally, the retention ring 130 comprises a first end stop E1 and asecond end stop E2. The first end stop E1 is disposed in the groove 136.The second end stop E2 is disposed in the groove 136. The first end stopE1 and the second end stop E2 limit the range of travel or rotation ofthe retention ring 130 with respect to the outer case 114. The first endstop E1 and the second end stop E2 at least partially interrupt thegroove 136 such that they abut with the lugs 132 thereby preventingfurther rotation of the retention ring 130.

The retention ring 130 has the effect of partially closing the aperturesA6, A7 since the aperture A8 is smaller in diameter than the aperturesA6, A7. In this way the left and right thumb sticks 102, 103 areprevented from being detached from the actuator mechanism 150 until therespective retention ring 130 is removed. FIG. 6 illustrates a stage ofremoval of the retention ring 130. A tool T is placed in engagement withthe retention ring 130. The tool T comprises a plurality of lugs L1, L2,L3. The illustrated embodiment comprises three lugs L1, L2, L3 which arearranged in a complementary arrangement to the arrangement of theplurality of first recesses 140. Each lug L1, L2, L3 has a complementaryshape to the shape of the respective recess 140 into which it isinserted. The tool T can be employed to move the retention ring 130between a first position in which the retention ring 130 is locked tothe upper case member 114 and a second position in which the retentionring 130 is unlocked. In the unlocked position the retention ring 130can be withdrawn from the respective one of the apertures A6, A7 asshown in FIG. 7 . The tool T comprises a handle which can be employed toapply a rotational force to the retention ring as indicated by directionarrow D1 in FIG. 6 . The tool T comprises a recess R which is capable ofaccommodating a portion, such as the shaft, of the left and right thumbsticks 102, 103. In this way the tool T takes the form of a two prongedfork.

Once the retention ring 130 has been removed the right thumb stick 103can be detached from the post 152 of the actuator mechanism 150 as shownin FIG. 7 . The left thumb stick 102 can be removed by applying theprocess described above with respect to the right thumb stick 103 to theleft thumb stick 102 and its respective retention ring 130.

The controller 101 can be reassembled by pushing the right thumb stick103 onto the post 152 so that the post 152 is received in a bore in theright thumb stick 103. A lower portion of the right thumb stick 103passes through the aperture A7 into the interior of the controller 101.The retention ring 130 is then passed over an upper portion of the rightthumb stick 103 and is inserted into the aperture A7. The retention ring130 must be correctly aligned; the plurality of second recesses 142 mustbe aligned with the lugs 132. The retention ring 130 is then rotatedsuch that a section of the lower portion L of the retention ring 130 isdisposed beneath each lug 132, thus locking the retention ring 130within the aperture A7. The tool T can then be removed.

The tool T may be employed to insert the retention ring 130 within theaperture A7 or alternatively the retention ring 130 may be inserted byhand and then locked in position with the tool T. Similarly, the tool Tmay be utilised to facilitate withdrawal of the retention ring 130 fromthe aperture A7. In this regard the tool T may be capable of holding theretention ring 130 for example by a friction or interference fit.

In some embodiments the retention ring 130 may comprise a magnetic orferrous material and the tool T may be magnetised for example as apermanent magnet.

The retention ring 130 may be formed of a hard wearing material so as towithstand repeated contact or impact with the right or left thumb stick102, 103. In one embodiment the retention ring 130 is formed from ametallic material such as but not limited to anodised aluminium.

In other embodiments the retention ring 130 may be formed of a materialwhich is softer than the material from which the left or right thumbstick 102, 103 and/or the upper case member 114 is made. In this way theretention ring 130 will fail before the left or right thumb stick 102,103 and/or the upper case member 114. The retention ring 130 may, forexample, but not limited to, be formed from a rubberised material orplastics material.

In yet other embodiments the retention ring 130 may be formed from thesame material as the upper case member 114 or the left or right thumbstick 102, 103.

The retention ring 130 serves as a serviceable part which can be readilyreplaced.

The upper case member 114 is protected from impact with the left orright thumb stick 102, 103. The retention ring 130 forms a bufferbetween the upper case member 114 and the left or right thumb stick 102,103

The retention ring 130 also provides a customisable part which can bemounted to the controller 101 either to provide a desired visualappearance or to customise the functionality of the thumb stick. Forexample, the retention ring 130 may be customisable to limit the travelof the thumb stick or the retention ring 130 may be customisable toprovide a desired “feel” to the user when operating the thumb sticks102, 103. The “feel” will be dependent upon the materials from which theretention ring 130 is formed. The retention ring may provide a soft“feel” or cushioned endstop (for example if comprising rubberisedmaterial or other resiliently deformable material) or a hard “feel”endstop (for example if comprising a metallic material such as anodisedaluminium).

It is envisaged that the controllers may be coupled to a games consoleor computer by a wired connection or by a wireless connection device.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”,“upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective features to suchorientation, but merely serve to distinguish these features from oneanother.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hand held controller for a games console or other computing device comprising: an outer case configured to be held in a user's hands during operation, the outer case including a front surface and a top end adjacent the front surface; a plurality of top controls located on the top end configured to be operated by the user's index finger; at least one thumb stick located at the front surface configured to be operated by the user's thumbs and removably mounted to a post of an actuator mechanism configured to move in an x-direction and a y-direction with respect to the outer case, the actuator mechanism coupled to circuitry contained within the outer case, the at least one thumb stick comprising a lower portion disposed internal to the outer case and an upper portion that extends through a case aperture provided in the outer case, wherein the upper portion of the thumb stick is configured to move within the case aperture; and a buffer removably mounted within the case aperture by a fastening mechanism of the buffer, wherein the buffer is configured to accommodate the upper portion of the thumb stick disposed external to the outer case, and wherein the upper portion of the thumb stick contacts the buffer when the thumb stick is moved to a travel limit within the case aperture.
 2. The hand held controller of claim 1, wherein the buffer comprises a first fastening part of a mechanical fastening system configured to affix to a second fastening part of the mechanical fastening system included in the front surface.
 3. The hand held controller of claim 2 wherein the second fastening part is included in the case aperture.
 4. The hand held controller of claim 1 comprising: a second thumb stick located at the front surface and removably mounted to a post of a second actuator mechanism configured to move in the-x-direction and the y-direction with respect to the outer case, the second actuator mechanism coupled to second circuitry contained within the outer case, the second thumb stick comprising a lower portion disposed internal to the outer case and an upper portion that extends through a second case aperture provided in the outer case, wherein the upper portion of the second thumb stick is configured to move within the second case aperture; and a second buffer removably mounted within the second case aperture by a second fastening mechanism of the second buffer, wherein the second buffer is configured to accommodate the upper portion of the second thumb stick disposed external to the outer case, and wherein the upper portion of the second thumb stick contacts second the second buffer when the second thumb stick is moved to a travel limit within the second case aperture.
 5. The hand held controller of claim 4 wherein the first buffer is interchangeable with the second buffer.
 6. The hand held controller of claim 5 wherein the first buffer is formed from the same material as the second buffer.
 7. The hand held controller of claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one of a push fitting and a bayonet style fastener.
 8. The hand held controller of claim 1 wherein buffer comprises a ring.
 9. The hand held controller of claim 1 wherein the buffer is formed from a plastics material.
 10. The hand held controller of claim 1 wherein the post of the actuator mechanism comprises a self-centering analogue stick.
 11. An input apparatus for a computing device comprising: an outer case comprising a front surface and a top edge, wherein the front surface includes a case aperture; a top control located at the top edge and configured to be operated by an index finger of a user; a thumb stick disposed in the case aperture in the front surface and removably mounted to a post of an actuator mechanism, the post configured to move in an x-direction and a y-direction with respect to the outer case, the actuator mechanism coupled to electronics located within the outer case, the thumb stick configured to be operated by a thumb of the user, wherein a lower portion of the thumb stick is disposed internal to the outer case and an upper portion of the thumb stick is configured to extend into and move within the case aperture; and a buffer removably coupled within the case aperture by a fastening system, wherein the buffer comprises a buffer aperture configured to accommodate the upper portion of the thumb stick disposed external to the outer case when the buffer is coupled to the outer case, the buffer configured to not move with respect to the outer case when mounted and configured to prevent contact between the upper portion of the thumb stick control and the outer case when the thumb stick control is moved to a travel limit within the case aperture, wherein at least part of the fastening system is included in the buffer.
 12. The input apparatus of claim 11, wherein a second part of the fastening system is included in the front surface.
 13. The input apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second part of the fastening system is located in the case aperture.
 14. The input apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a second control located on the top end, the second control configured to be operated by a second index finger of the user.
 15. The input apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a second case aperture disposed in the front surface; a second thumb stick disposed in the second case aperture in the front surface and removably mounted to a post of a second actuator mechanism, the post configured to move in an x-direction and a y-direction with respect to the outer case, the actuator mechanism coupled to a second electronics located within the outer case, the second thumb stick configured to be operated by a second thumb of the user, wherein a lower portion of the second thumb stick is disposed internal to the outer case and an upper portion of the second thumb stick is configured to extend into and move within the second case aperture; and a second buffer removably coupled within the second case aperture by a second fastening system, wherein the second buffer comprises a buffer aperture configured to accommodate the upper portion of the second thumb stick disposed external to the outer case when the second buffer is coupled to the outer case, the second buffer configured to not move with respect to the outer case when mounted and configured to prevent contact between the upper portion of the second thumb stick control and the outer case when the second thumb stick control is moved to a travel limit within the second case aperture, wherein at least part of the second fastening system is included in the second buffer.
 16. The input apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first buffer is formed from the same material as the second buffer.
 17. The input apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first buffer is interchangeable with the second buffer.
 18. The input apparatus of claim 11 wherein the fastening system comprises one of a push fitting or a bayonet style fastener.
 19. The input apparatus of claim 11 wherein the buffer comprises a ring.
 20. The input apparatus of claim 11 wherein the post of the actuator mechanism comprises a self-centering analogue stick. 